Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal
dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the
Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends
so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and
sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we
remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each
miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.

They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body
begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green
grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your
special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to
be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again
caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.Then you
cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

Fragile Circle

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our
own,
live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan."Irving
Townsend

God promised at the birth of time,
A special friend to give,
His time on earth is short, he said,
So love him while he lives.

It may be six or seven years,
Or twelve or then sixteen,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

A wagging tail and cold wet nose,
And silken velvet ears,
A heart as big as all outdoors,
To love you through the years.

His puppy ways will gladden you,
And antics bring a smile,
As guardian or friend he will,
Be loyal all the while.

He'll bring his charms to grace
your life,
And though his stay be brief,
When he's gone the memories,
Are solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But lessons only a dog can teach,
I want you each to learn.

Whatever love you give to him,
Returns in triple measure,
Follow his lead and gain a life,
Brim full of simple pleasure.

Enjoy each day as it comes,
Allow your heart to guide,
Be loyal and steadfast in love,
As the dog there by your side.

Now will you give him all your
love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him back again?

I fancy each of us would say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.

"But shall the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand."

Author
Unknown

We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.

Author
Unknown

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A
million times I will miss you,
a million times I will cry.
If love alone could have saved you,
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no pup could ever fill.

It broke my heart to loose you,
but you did not go alone.
For part of me went with you,
the day God called you home.

Your precious memory is my keepsake,
with which I'll never part.
God has you safe in His keeping,
but I'll have you forever in my heart.

If tears could build a stairway,
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

(Author
unknown)

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

-Anonymous

A TIME TO REMEMBER

They come into our lives for such a short timeA time we wouldn't trade not even for a dime.
Then before you know it the years have flown byAnd then all of the sudden we're saying good-bye.

It wasn't that long ago we said our good-byesWe held on to you tight as you closed your eyes.
Your spirit has flown home on the wings of a doveInto God's loving arms; in heaven above.

Over the days we've shed many tearsBut the memories we have will live on for years.
We feel your presence and we know that your nearYou're keeping us safe and calming our fear.

We think about memories from years pastWhen you were young and strong and ran so fast.We remember all the great times that we all hadHow you always made us happy,
never made us mad.

They were the best and happiest years we had.We'll always look back on them and never be sad.
We look forward to the time we'll be together againAnd we thank the Lord for such a great friend.

Now you run and play up in Heaven aboveCradled in God's arms covered with his love,
Playing by the Bridge waiting for the day,We come down thru the meadow to the bridge to stay.

The love that you showed us we'll never forgetBecause to us you're one very special pet.
You're like a star in the dark of nightAlways watching over us with the Lord's light.

So now we take time to remember our best friendWho will always be with us even to the end.
We'll always remember you the way you wereOne big lovable huggable pile of fur.

-John Quealy

I'M STILL
HERE

Please, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach-
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

-Author Unknown

I
Stood By Your Bed

I
stood by your bed last night,I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,You found it hard to
sleep.

I whined to you softlyas you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,I'm well, I'm fine, I'm
here."

I was close to you at breakfast,I watched you
pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times,your hands
reached down to me.

I
was with you at the shop today, your arms were getting
sore.
I longed to take your parcels,I wish I could do more.

I
walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for
your key.
I gently put my paw on you,I smiled and said "It's
me."

You looked so tired, and sank in to a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to your with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew....
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawningAnd say "Goodnight, God
Bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand side by side.

I
have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

Author Unknown

"Request from the Rainbow Bridge"

"Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle
night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest, there is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed for all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not, the fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts.
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death,
but celebrate my life."

-Constance Jenkins

in loving memory of Isolde Jenkins 1992

SOLACE

From the silence of your pain I heard my name
and on the wings of light I have come
to see the sadness in your eyes
that cry without tears

Can you see me, I am here
I will always be near you
to calm your shattered heart
and to make you smile at the memories

Do you feel me, perhaps a soft brush of fur
You ache to believe it's real
but you are afraid to hope
You brush away a strand of hair
But it was I, whispering.....

I am only here for but a moment
The silver thread gently quivers
I will leave behind my love in a dream
When you awaken, and without really knowing why

Your heart will know at last
That it is all right, for now
to say good-bye.

Native American Prayer

I give you this,
one thought to keep,
I am with you still,
I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken
in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars
that shine at night.